Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged African nations to prioritise investment in research-intensive universities science and technology to unlock sustainable economic growth and achieve true economic sovereignty across the continent.
Jonathan spoke yesterday during the closing panel of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa held in Bahir Dar Ethiopia.
The former President warned that Africa could no longer afford to remain a passive consumer of foreign technologies. Instead he argued that the continent must position itself as an active producer and exporter of knowledge and innovation.
Addressing African leaders policymakers and international stakeholders Jonathan noted that the continent’s ability to create productive jobs for its rapidly growing youth population depends on its capacity to translate academic research into viable industrial and commercial ventures.
The former President described research-intensive universities as critical engines of national development highlighting their pivotal role in knowledge generation scientific research and advanced skills training.
‘Africa’s transformation and economic sovereignty must be built on African knowledge driven by African ingenuity and sustained by African enterprise’ he said.
Jonathan cited Asian and global economic success stories-specifically citing India Singapore and South Korea-as clear evidence of how sustained state investment in scientific and technological infrastructure can transform developing economies into global industrial powerhouses.
According to him African governments must draw lessons from these nations by channeling dedicated funding into science engineering digital technologies and applied research.
He called for a stronger and formalised synergy among universities government agencies and the private sector.
Establishing closer ties between higher institutions and industry he noted would ensure that research findings directly yield homegrown solutions spur new commercial enterprises and generate employment opportunities tailored to Africa’s unique socio-economic challenges.
Highlighting the continent’s demographic advantage Jonathan stressed that Africa’s large youth population represents its most valuable resource for long-term transformation.
But he cautioned that this potential could only be realised if governments deliberately create the enabling environment for young people to acquire advanced technical skills and pursue entrepreneurial innovation.
He urged African leaders to equip the younger generation with the tools needed not only to participate in the evolving global economy but to actively influence its direction.
The Tana High-Level Forum is an annual platform that brings together African heads of state experts and civil society leaders to address pressing security governance and development challenges facing the continent. Jonathan’s submission firmly placed educational reform and scientific sovereignty at the heart of Africa’s security and economic agenda.